FLASHBACK 1952.

Pops

Jazz's most influential musician, born 102 years ago this week, never passed his chops on to children of his own (these kids belonged to Blue Note owner Frank Holzfeind). But Satchmo was nevertheless a dad; once established in Chicago in the 1920s, he sent for his cousin's orphaned son, Clarence, whom he had supported from birth. Though a childhood fall had left Clarence mentally disabled, his guardian was proud of his "Little Louis Armstrong." Through all of Armstrong's marriages and bands and travels, he had two constants: Clarence and music.

First instrument the 12-year-old Armstrong played with his reform-school band: the tambourine.

What he said to King George V during a 1932 London concert: "This one's for you, Rex."